Diversity Essay Contest

We know diversity is important; it’s a UTMB core value. But what does “diversity” really mean? Why is it important? How does it live at UTMB? How does it add value to our workplace?

Now, you have an opportunity to tell us and share your experiences, in an essay contest being sponsored by the UTMB Institutional Diversity Council and the President’s Office.  But hurry--the deadline is July 1!

What: 500-word essay contest open to all UTMB students and employees

Theme: “Common Threads: How UTMB's support of diversity enhances the workplace”

Prizes: $500 first prize, $250 runner-up

Deadline: All entries are due in the President’s Office by midnight, July 1, 2005.

Contest Details

Write an essay of no more than 500 words on the theme “How UTMB's support of diversity enhances the workplace”

Submissions should be made electronically, composed in Microsoft Word and submitted via email to geleisey@utmb.edu. (If you are interested in submitting an essay but are unable to comply with this request, please call ext. 21901 to discuss an appropriate accommodation). You should get an acknowledgement within two days of receipt.

Please include a cover sheet that contains your name, department or school, phone number and other contact information. Do not include your name or any other identifying information on the actual essay.

Entries will be judged and scored by a panel; entries will be numbered and authors unknown to judges.

Scoring will place emphasis on an essayist’s understanding of UTMB’s diversity efforts and goals. A total score of 100 points is possible. Contestants will be judged in the six areas defined below:

1. How well does the essay demonstrate an understanding of and an appreciation for diversity? (20 points)
2. How does the essay exemplify the usefulness and importance of diversity at UTMB? (20 points)
3. How moving is the story/essay? How well does it engage and touch the reader? Does it motivate the reader to action? (20 points)
4. How does the person, through prior actions as articulated in the essay, demonstrate a commitment to diversity as defined by UTMB? (15 points)
5. Does the story provide a compelling reason for diversity efforts generally? (15 points)
6. Is the essay clear and informative? Does it follow the contest guidelines? Is it well written, well composed and relatively free of errors? (10 points) (This criteria has been given a lower emphasis to be inclusive of employees with wide and varied educational experiences, and to offer an opportunity to those who have English as a second language.)

Winners will be announced on Tuesday, July 12, at the noon Special Town Meeting in Levin Hall.

All entries become property of the university to be shared freely with the community, and may be reused or republished in print or on the web. They may also be edited for length, spelling or style.

Questions? Need more information? Explore this web site or contact Georgia Leisey in the President’s Office at ext. 21901.